After writing a couple of articles I have several comments with the same question - “what is generic drugs?”. To be more accurate I’ve taken the information from FDA official site. Here’s the quick explanation of generic drugs.
Identical or bioequivalent to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use is called generic. Generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are usually sold cheaper than the branded price. According to the Congressional Budget Office, generic drugs save consumers an estimated $8 to $10 billion a year at retail pharmacies and online drug stores. Billions of dollars are saved when hospitals use generics.
Both professionals and consumers can be assured that FDA approved generics have met the same rigid standards as the innovator drug. To be FDA approved, a generic drug must:
- contain the same active ingredients as the innovator drug(inactive ingredients may vary)
- be identical in strength, dosage form, and route of administration
- have the same use indications
- be bioequivalent
- meet the same batch requirements for identity, strength, purity, and quality
- be manufactured under the same strict standards of FDA’s good manufacturing practice regulations required for innovator products
For more information on the safety and effectiveness of generic drugs, please see FDA Generic Drugs Final Rule and Initiativ .